1.
model; miniature; prototype
A small-scale model or miniature version of something, used as a reference or sample.
2.
template; standard form; boilerplate
A pre-made format or standard document used as a starting point. Common in business and administrative contexts for contracts, letters, and other documents.
Originally from 雛 (chick; miniature) + 形 (shape), suggesting a small copy of the real thing.
SENSE 1 (model):
Refers to physical miniatures or scale models. This is the older, more traditional meaning.
SENSE 2 (template):
The dominant modern usage, especially in business. Refers to standardized document formats.
Common collocations
Similar words
テンプレート is the loanword equivalent for sense 2 and is increasingly common, especially in IT contexts. 見本 (sample) overlaps with sense 1 but emphasizes something shown as an example rather than a scaled-down replica.